Dubai makes progress on its first aerotropolis, Starbucks partners with China to set up its first coffee bean farm, Canadian National accelerates auto imports, United Kingdom and France work to counter terrorism, Marks & Spencer accelerates supply chain improvement plan

United States and Canada are investing $7 billion in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system; Changing political relations between the United States and Cuba could signal new trade opportunities; UK faces a truck driver shortage among younger people; Panama approves new port development

Foreign trade zones (FTZs) are an essential tool for the growing business of third-party logistics. The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones’ Daniel Griswold outlines the benefits shippers can gain from using FTZs.

If you don't file accurate import data with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, you put your company at risk for penalties and fines, warns Kevin Shoemaker, director, global solutions for Integration Point Inc.

U.S. transportation spending lags, according to Transportation Performance Indexes; International air cargo traffic increases; Ocean volumes rise; Large corporations band together to help smaller suppliers sell goods and services to global companies.

Importers and exporters must make sure the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's new 10+2 equation adds up. Here's the formula for successful compliance with the Importer Security Filing (ISF) regulation.

Pilot program uses drones to deliver time-sensitive goods; Canadian government lines up two new bilateral trade agreements; Labor rights causing supply chain disruption; Using social media to understand carrier usage.

Determining the best location for a new or expanding business in an increasingly competitive and global marketplace is challenging. These locations offer a number of advantages when it comes to meeting today’s logistics and supply chain needs.

The emergence of integrated third-party logistics (3PL) solutions, expanded and improved intermodal service offerings, and creative collaborations to optimize transport resources has prompted many companies to expand operations in Mexico.

Logistics providers can become valued partners to both U.S. customers and Chinese suppliers, linking them together with the full power of fast-learner economics, writes George F. Brown Jr., Blue Canyon Partners.

Increasing demand for U.S. goods in Canada represents a positive sign for the economies of both countries. But keeping cross-border shipments moving requires building smart and savvy logistics partnerships.

Multinational corporations are gambling on the Latin American market's growth potential. But meeting the region's supply chain challenges requires an understanding of local markets, strategic planning, and strong partnerships.

As multinational companies in the United States and around the world are increasingly influenced by changes in the international economy, global distribution networks must be fluid enough to accommodate unpredictability.

A steady stream of goods passing north and south across the U.S.-Canada border stitches the two nations tightly together, complicated by factors such as customs regulations, security protocols, data exchange, and infrastructure projects.

As intermodal grows, so do its challenges. Increasing cargo volumes create bottlenecks and congestion; while the capacity shortage has everyone scrambling. How are shippers and service providers coping? This article helps solve the dilemma.

Dutch and Belgian ports collaborate on new cross-border port information system; EU looks to lift tariffs on 96 percent of goods as part of proposed U.S. free trade agreement; Greek government focuses on port development to help spur economic recovery; Africa presents fertile growth opportunities for SMEs.

Hunter Harrison documents the culture change that has contributed to Canadian Pacific’s rail renaissance; Global companies more concerned about climate risk than emissions reductions; Deadline for new ISO17712:2013 high-security seal standards is fast approaching; Lack of collaboration between supply chain and finance hurts the bottom line

Jacksonville, Florida’s transportation infrastructure, skilled workforce, and available land makes it an attractive site for businesses siting new locations for logistics services and manufacturing, writes Michael Breen of JAXUSA Partnership.

A wealth of natural resources, growing labor force, and proximity to established and emerging consumer markets in Europe and Asia make Africa an attractive target for foreign exploration. The pace of development will depend on the cessation of social unrest, government collaboration, and continued investment in transportation and logistics infrastructure.

An average distribution center generates or handles anywhere from 100 to 1,000 tons of solid waste each year that could be reduced, reused, or recycled. Emily P. Davis of Exel/DHL Supply Chain Americas outlines five keys for helping waste management and other sustainability programs succeed.

The Panama Canal expansion, to be completed in 2015, will impact global commerce and affect trade patterns to the U.S. East Coast. Ports such as PortMiami are preparing themselves to accept the new class of mega cargo ships, says Bill Johnson of PortMiami.

By implementing collaborative and flexible logistics practices and remaining agile, managing air freight today can be a win-win process for both shipper and forwarder, writes Horst von Kanel of Damco USA.

The development of new technologies for planning, managing, tracking, and securing shipments never ends, and with new digital options always just around the corner, organizations of all sizes need to stay informed on the latest advances. Pablo Ciano of DHL Express identifies four key business areas where technology makes all the difference.

Supply chain partners are taking cues from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and making concerted efforts to share and apply security best practices throughout their organizations and supply chain operations, says Howard Finkel of COSCO Container Lines Americas.

Pharmaceuticals manufacturers face special supply chain challenges such as temperature control, security, chain of custody, and regulatory compliance, but successful strategies help deal with these issues.

Protective reusable dunnage can take the place of single- or limited-use corrugated or wood filler to move pallets and products securely in an environmentally conscious manner, writes Paul Fitzgerald of Paylode Cargo Protection Systems.

New international supply chain optimization tools are capable of considering all appropriate shipment flows, modes, routes, and cargo to come up with an ideal workable plan – as often as needed and anytime things change.

Near-sourcing is becoming more popular among manufacturers and buyers, and Mexico’s reduced transit times and lower logistics costs make it a preferred near-shoring location, writes Troy Ryley, Transplace Mexico.

The airfreight industry is depending on the new efficiencies promised by new freighters, e-commerce, and updated air traffic control systems to offset economic uncertainties and increasing regulatory requirements.

Mexico-based automotive glassmaker Vitro Automotive opened a distribution center in the United States to serve Detroit automakers just-in-time requirements. Its long-time logistics service provider Evans Distribution Systems staffed the new DC for Vitro to ensure a quality workforce.

Demand for less-than-containerload (LCL) services is rising among global importer and exporters whose business models rely on cost, inventory control, and supply chain visibility. Greg Scott of CEVA Logistics discusses how the oil and gas, retail, and automotive industries are using LCL services to their advantage.

Many state governments support transportation and logistics infrastructure development and legislation that facilitate business retention, investment, and expansion. Economic development efforts in Virginia, Iowa, Idaho, Utah, and Wisconsin demonstrate a variety of approaches to supporting in-state businesses.

Electronics manufacturer Siemens switches from air freight to over-the-road transport for cross-border shipments from Mexico to the United States and Canada, cutting 35 percent from its transportation costs thanks to CFI Logistica.

Achieving LEED certification begins with choosing energy-efficient lighting, using space to promote energy savings, and building with sustainable and recycled materials. Thomas Taylor of Vertegy offers more tips for getting your building LEED certified.

Ralph Lauren’s transport operations team lacked the ability to dynamically route international air freight according to real-time best service and cost options, and it showed in inflated shipping costs. When a market search found no suitable transportation management system (TMS) for international air freight, the company decided to create its own, with help from solutions provider Acuitive Solutions.

The time is right to bring overseas manufacturing back to the United States. U.S. entrepreneurs - and entrepreneurial companies - can domestically manufacture quality products, bring them to market as the low-cost producers, and yield a sustainable profitable business model, writes Elisha Tropper of Cambridge Security Seals.

As more manufacturers establish plants in Mexico, and as Mexican railroads improve their infrastructure and services, demand for rail transportation within the country and across the border with the U.S. continues to rise.

While some organizations and industries may have operations that naturally lend themselves to sustainability efforts, all companies should be empowered to review their shipping and supply chain operations through the lens of sustainability.

Using International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) in transportation contracts give shippers more control over transport and delivery terms. Simon Kaye, CEO of Jaguar Freight Services, explains how importers can use Incoterms Group F for better shipment control.

Shifting global trade dynamics and emerging export markets with explosive growth potential present U.S. growers and other industries with new challenges—as well as opportunities to create more efficient solutions.

Shifting perspectives on supply chain management, coupled with the realities of total landed cost, are driving manufacturers to weigh the benefits of flinging production operations in China back to the United States.

China debuts longest sea-bridge in the world; Indian 3PLs are ready to grow; Double-stacked trains are changing Indian transportation landscape; Canadian freight rates are rising; Logistics service are expected to grow in Western Europe; China is cashing in on U.S. inflation

Gil Carmichael, founding chairman of the Intermodal Transportation Institute at the University of Denver, explains how the United States can create new economic vitality by producing a safe, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly multimodal transportation policy in which rail once again plays a dominant role.

Shipping and logistics professionals facing stricter emissions regulations and rising diesel prices will have an opportunity to take control of their fleets and realize the fuel and cost savings selective catalytic reduction brings, writes Chad Dombroski of Yara North America.

For many manufacturers and logistics professionals, preparation and opportunity are meeting right now at the U.S.-Canadian border, as North American companies on both sides of the boundary reexamine, redefine, and realign their global supply chain strategies.

Containerization reshaped ocean shipping, spurring further innovations such as bigger ships, giant cranes, suburban ports, and intermodal transportation. Future trends will include challenges including how to accommodate ever-larger ships, how to guarantee a chassis supply for shippers and how the dynamics of fuel costs, vessel size, and sailing schedules will impact container rates.

IATA addresses impact of Japan earthquake and tsunami on global air cargo industry; Volga-Dnepr air charter business booms; Nike logistics center targets Chinese consumption; Mexico and United States agree to cross-border plan; United Kingdom sets sights on Indian rail infrastructure development

Christopher Chung, CEO of the Missouri Partnership, describes how Missouri's efficient use of state resources results in efficient transportation that does not compromise safety or customer satisfaction.

Industrial property developers are cultivating greener distribution facilities and nurturing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards compliance. The bounty? A harvest of benefits for their tenants.

For shipping and receiving, there are three types of pallet programs: single-use or one-way, extended-use or buy/sell, and leasing or rental. Hillary Femal of IFCO Systems describes the uses and benefits of each type.

Is there a war on trucking? CSA 2010, cap and trade, and Hours of Service changes are challenging the ability of truckers to operate profitably in America, says Inbound Logistics Publisher Keith Biondo

Logistics leaders can make a difference when they actively collaborate with the government on regulatory issues, workforce training, and infrastructure development, writes John A. Evans, Evans Distribution Systems.

The Middle East's express, freight forwarding, and logistics sectors are expected to weather a global depression and experience considerable growth; December 2009 was a good month for global trade; DHL ceases operations of domestic parcel service in United Kingdom; Air France struggles to break even.

Companies that combine the reduce, reuse, recycle mantra with the supply chain wisdom of managing costs and stamping out inefficiencies are developing reverse supply chains that help the Earth, the customer, and the bottom line.